Prompted by rising concern over the impact of intensive winter grazing on the environment and animal welfare, the taskforce has delivered 11 recommendations.
But there are two areas the industry is most concerned about, DairyNZ strategy and investment leader Dr Jenny Jago said.
The first relates to the recommendation animals always be able to lie comfortably on a soft, dry substrate for as long as they want.
The second is animals on fodder beet and other crops having access to an adequately balanced diet, including appropriate supplementary feed that keeps them warm and does not cause malnutrition or metabolic problems.
“The one about lying down is a huge challenge to action in any outdoor farming situation and there is a need there to ensure it is a practical recommendation farmers can carry through on.”
The requirement for a balanced diet is something requiring further clarification on what exactly that is.
“Overall, they are the main points affecting farmers most directly. Generally, this is a pretty constructive document and will have the support of farmers to work on.”
The other recommendations coming focus strongly on research, extension and seeking pan-industry support to help farmers meet the inherent animal welfare implications the taskforce wants to enforce.
It also laid out some absolutes on winter grazing that include animals never giving birth on mud, avoiding deaths in adverse weather and avoiding mass mortality in winter grazing systems.
The recommendations are likely to result in animal welfare considerations being incorporated into farm plans.
While acknowledging farmers seek clear goalposts to aim for in such issues, the taskforce cautioned societal expectations will change over time so welfare standards need to constantly lift.
Jago said there are also strong market drivers for improving winter grazing.
“I think people are realising that it is more and more important to demonstrate good, proactive action. It has been an area that needs attention.”
It could be tempting for farmers in areas like Waikato and Taranaki to dismiss policy around winter grazing practices as one for farmers in the South Island.
But the taskforce report is a good time for all farmers to consider their winter grazing policies.
“One of the things they can do right now with winter crops in the ground is to form a plan for next winter about how best to manage their grazing.”
A good winter grazing plan might not only address welfare concerns but also deal better with environmental issues arising from some intensive grazing policies.
She welcomed the report’s acknowledgement that simply building facilities to hold stock is not necessarily the best solution.
“It acknowledges most farmers will be able to manage the issue within their farm system. It is all about how you set up your winter crops and paddocks.”
The taskforce has some tight timeframes set up for discussion on the report and considers an action group similar to the Bobby Calf Action Group as one means to accelerate welfare improvements.
A recommended timeline is the action group be established immediately by the Primary Industries Ministry, reporting back to Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor by February.
The taskforce expects farmers to have tools and knowledge required to meet welfare needs and the Government to better understand the issue by next winter.
By winter of 2021 specific winter grazing compliance regulations will be in place.
Beef + Lamb senior biosecurity and animal welfare adviser Will Halliday said it is important the recommendations are practical and workable for farmers.
“Animals are at the heart of all farming systems and our farmers work hard to balance animals, environment and business performance within a biological and outdoor system where guarantees and absolutes are difficult.”
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Read the taskforce report
